FEATURED ARTICLES ABOUT NARCOLEPSY - PAGE 3

California researchers report they have found the long-sought cause of narcolepsy, a mysterious sleep disorder that affects at least 125,000 Americans. The condition is caused by the death of a handful of cells deep within the brain, researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Stanford reported. The results suggest that it may be possible to treat victims of the disorder, which is characterized by overwhelming sleepiness, and could lead to new ways of attacking other sleep disorders as well, experts said Tuesday.

Dear Dr. Donohue: In the early 1960s, I was diagnosed with narcolepsy and was given Dexedrine, which I still take, and it helps me stay awake during the day. The real villain for me is cataplexy. It is very embarrassing and frustrating not to be able to control it. When it happens, I fall down like an accordion, with complete paralysis of all my muscles. I cannot speak or move. My eyelids close. The longest episodes have lasted 20 minutes. What brings on these attacks? -- M.S. Dear M.S.: Narcolepsy is much more than the daytime drowsiness with which we're all familiar.

Shirley LaFlamme's bullmastiff, Halo, died last year of cancer. Two of her other dogs are fighting cancer now. She hopes her fourth will avoid the same fate. "Cancer is absolutely what is killing most of the dogs in our breed," said LaFlamme, of Spencer, Mass. Their battle could help provide vital clues to fighting tumors in people. It turns out that cancers and other dog diseases are similar to those in humans, and researchers at Cambridge's Broad Institute and elsewhere are delving into the genetic code of dogs hoping to find cures for both species.

The case of Stephen Fagan appears headed for trial, based on a hearing Tuesday in a Boston courthouse and the apparent failure last month to reach a plea agreement. Fagan's trial is scheduled for June 14. He is charged with abducting his two daughters from his ex-wife more than 20 years ago and moving to Palm Beach, where he lived a double life as socialite Dr. William Martin. Fagan's defense attorneys filed motions on Tuesday for his ex-wife's medical records. Those records include Barbara Kurth's history of narcolepsy -- falling asleep suddenly -- and her bouts with depression.

Dear Dr. Donohue: Some say you catch pneumonia from another person, and some say you don`t. Let us know which is right. -- F.B. Dear F.B.: Except under rare conditions, you don`t acquire pneumonia from someone who is sick with it. The person from whom you caught the germ was not sick with it, merely a germ carrier. In fact, pneumonia patients are not even isolated in hospitals. Potential infectiousness surrounds us daily. We ward off most. People usually pick up pneumonia at a time when their germ defenses are down for one reason or other.

Dear Dr. Donohue: I am a 48-year-old male. I grind my teeth when asleep. I've been told this is a sign of bad nerves. Is this true, and how do I eliminate it? -- E.H. Dear E.H.: There are many reasons given for teeth grinding. Some feel it results from a stressful life (bad nerves). Many teeth grinders have a jaw that is out of plumb. A third explanation is that the brain center in charge of jaw movement is in a state of constant agitation. Teeth grinding can erode teeth, leading to big dental problems and big dental bills.

Dear Dr. Donohue: What's the name of the sickness that makes people fall asleep during the day? I get at least eight hours of sleep a night, but I still doze off at my desk. It comes on so fast that I can't do anything about it. I am becoming a joke, and I am afraid I might lose my job. Do you think I might have that disease? -- M.J. Dear M.J.: The illness is narcolepsy. It is not a joke, and it is not rare. More than 125,000 North Americans contend with it. Its most notable feature is an irresistible urge to fall asleep regardless of time or circumstances.

Having trouble sleeping? Try the Sleep Disorders Center at North Broward Medical Center. Hospital officials say the center is the only one in north Broward County that can provide diagnosis and treatment for all sleep-related medical problems. Among the disorders treated is obstructive sleep apnea, a potentially life- threatening illness that may cause heart failure, heart attack, or stroke. A person with sleep apnea may wake up anywhere from 300 to 600 times during the night gasping for air. The person actually stops breathing while sleeping because the muscles relax to the point of obstructing the airway.

Having trouble sleeping? Try the Sleep Disorders Center at North Broward Medical Center. Hospital officials say the center is the only one in northern Broward County that can provide diagnosis and treatment for all sleep-related medical problems. Among the disorders treated is obstructive sleep apnea, a potentially life- threatening illness that may cause heart failure, heart attack or stroke. A person with sleep apnea may wake up 300 to 600 times during the night gasping for air. The person actually stops breathing while sleeping because the muscles relax to the point of obstructing the airway.

Having trouble sleeping? Try the Sleep Disorders Center at North Broward Medical Center. Hospital officials say the center is the only one in northern Broward County that can provide diagnosis and treatment for all sleep-related medical problems. Among the disorders treated is obstructive sleep apnea, a potentially life- threatening illness that may cause heart failure, heart attack, or stroke. A person with sleep apnea may wake up anywhere from 300 to 600 times during the night gasping for air. The person actually stops breathing while sleeping because the muscles relax to the point of obstructing the airway.